These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are everything you love about a classic Italian deli sandwich—gooey cheese, layers of meat, tangy peppers—all baked into soft, golden Hawaiian rolls.
They’re warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Great for a party, game day, or honestly, just dinner when you want something fast and filling. They’re easy to make and always disappear fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I made once for a weekend hangout, and now it’s requested all the time. It’s warm, melty, salty, tangy, and buttery—all in one bite. It hits that perfect combo of savory and satisfying.
- All your favorite Italian deli flavors in one bite
- Super easy to assemble and bake
- Feeds a crowd fast
- You can prep it ahead and just bake when ready
- The herby butter on top takes it over the edge
What You’ll Need
- 1 pack (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 slices Genoa salami
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1/3 cup banana pepper rings, drained
- 1/4 onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Garlic Herb Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Servings & Time
Servings: Makes 12 sliders
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Macros (Per Slider – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The melted provolone acts like glue, holding all the layers of meat and toppings together. The mayo and mustard give a creamy, tangy base so the bread doesn’t get soggy. The Hawaiian rolls stay soft inside but get crispy and flavorful on top thanks to the butter topping, and baking everything sealed together fuses the flavors into every bite.
Common Mistakes
- Overloading the sliders – Too much filling makes it hard to hold together and eat
- Not covering with foil while baking – They can dry out or over-brown too fast
- Skipping the butter topping – You’ll miss out on that signature flavor and golden finish
- Slicing too soon – Let them rest 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets
What to Serve With
- Potato chips or kettle chips
- Pasta salad
- Caesar salad
- Pickle spears
- Iced tea or soda
FAQ
Can I use different meats?
Yes! Try turkey, roast beef, or mortadella if you like.
What cheese can I swap for provolone?
Mozzarella, havarti, or even Swiss all work great.
Can I make these spicy?
Add crushed red pepper, spicy mustard, or hot cherry peppers.
Can I reheat them?
Yes, warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything except the butter topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Add the butter topping right before baking.
- Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven.
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Slice the Rolls
Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
Step 2: Spread Mayo and Mustard
Spread 2 tbsp mayo and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly across the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Meats
Layer 6 slices provolone cheese evenly across the rolls, followed by 12 slices deli ham, 12 slices Genoa salami, and 12 slices pepperoni.
Step 4: Add Peppers and Onion
Top the meat with 1/3 cup banana pepper rings and very thin slices of 1/4 onion, spread evenly.
Step 5: Add the Top Rolls
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the filling, aligning with the bottom layer.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp melted butter with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan. Brush the mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and cheese is melted.
Step 8: Serve
Let sliders cool for 5 minutes, then slice along the seams and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are quick, crowd-pleasing, and totally satisfying. They’re everything you love about a big sandwich but baked into one easy pan of goodness. If you give them a try, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out—I’d love to hear what you think!